Hands-on introduction for new Climate Physics master’s students

On September 5th and 6th, 2024, IMAU hosted an introduction event for incoming Climate Physics master’s students, as an addition to the general introduction of the Graduate School of Natural Sciences. The two-day event brought together students and faculty through engaging “Climate Challenges” revolving around real-world research, data analysis, and community building.

Peter Kuipers-Munneke opened the event with an overview of the program's goals and structure. This was followed by Climate Challenge #1, in which small groups of students interviewed researchers, discussing their projects and how they connect to the master’s curriculum. This activity highlighted the program’s research landscape and presented faculty members as accessible mentors. “Getting to talk to a researcher so early on was inspiring and gave us a tangible link between what we’ll be learning and the actual impact of climate science,” commented one participant.

Climate Challenge #2 introduced students to the various uncertainties of climate models. Working with visual aids such as cards detailing different climate processes, students discussed and categorized these uncertainties, enhancing their understanding of climate modeling’s inherent complexities. The challenge concluded with students researching specific climate processes to understand where current science is most and least certain, a crucial skill for the next generation of researchers.

The second day began with a “Navigating Your MSc” session, pointing out essential academic resources and tools. In Challenge #3 on Data Exploration the new students in small groups analysed climate data extracted from the Copernicus Interactive Climate Atlas, using Jupyter notebooks. Students chose regions that are personally significant to them and explored climate trends, model accuracy, and future climate projections for these regions. This provided hands-on experience in climate data analysis, a skill they will use throughout their studies and careers.

We feel these two days offered students an in-depth, engaging entry into their master program. The blend of hands-on challenges, faculty interaction, and peer networking hopefully provides a strong foundation for students as they embark on their Climate Physics journey. As one student reflected: “I feel much more prepared—and excited—for what’s ahead. It’s clear we’re part of something meaningful here.”

This innovative approach marks a new chapter in IMAU’s Climate Physics program, setting a positive tone and providing structure for the academic year ahead. We thank Peter Kuipers Munneke, Willem Jan van de Berg, Rupert Holzinger, Erik van Sebille and Michiel Baatsen for introducing the challenges and leading them.

Rupert Holzinger